Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa)

“Silence is the absolute poise or balance of body, mind, and spirit. The man who preserves his selfhood ever calm and unshaken by the storms of existence — not a leaf, as it were, astir on the tree; not a ripple upon the surface of shining pool- his, in the mind of the unlettered sage, is the ideal attitude and conduct of life.

If you ask him: “What is silence?” he will answer: “ It is the Great Mystery!” “ The holy silence is His voice!” If you ask: “ What are the fruits of silence?” he will say: “They are self-control, true courage or endurance, patience, dignity, and reverence. Silence is the corner-stone of character”

Charles Eastman’s (1858-1939) ability to work effectively and often brilliantly in the world of both the traditional Lakota Sioux and the nineteenth century white man is an astonishing accomplishment. He entered Euro-American culture at the age of fifteen, eventually completing his medical training at Boston University and becoming a practicing medical doctor. Eastman was the doctor in residence at Pine Ridge reservation at the time of the Wounded Knee massacre, treating the few surviving Sioux. He was a tireless advocate for his people and an inspired writer. See the links below, as well as his own writings (also below) for a more complete biography.